Tummy Tuck in Denver

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It gives many people more confidence because men and women feel more comfortable in many types of clothing. At Emmett Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jennifer Emmett performs tummy tucks for men and women in the Greater Denver and Centennial area. She is a board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and helps patients feel better about their physical appearance.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a procedure that tightens the abdominal wall muscles to flatten the tummy. It also involves removing excess fat from the belly area. Mothers who have lost the firmness of their abdomen after their pregnancies benefit from tummy tuck surgery. Other patients include older people who have lost the elasticity in their skin.

If you have loose, sagging skin on your midsection, or if you have an abdomen that sticks out and is not proportionate to the rest of your body, you may want to consider a tummy tuck procedure.

How is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

Before your tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, Dr. Emmett’s office administers a local anesthesia, which reduces the risks and recovery time. During the tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Emmett removes the skin that extends outward toward the hip bones. The amount of skin removed depends on the extent to which the abdomen needs to be flattened. The incision for this procedure is made around the pubic area.

Next, the skin of the abdominal wall is lifted. This provides access to the vertical abdominal muscles. The muscles are tightened by bringing them close together and suturing them into place. Afterward, the abdominal skin is stretched down, and any excess skin is removed. An incision is made for a new belly button, which will then be sutured into place. A complete tummy tuck typically takes about two to three hours, depending on the patient’s cosmetic surgery goals and the individual’s body composition. Dr. Emmett does not use a drain during a tummy tuck. This allows for more comfort and speeds up recovery.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Men and women who are in relatively good shape are the best candidates for tummy tucks in Dr. Emmett’s Denver area plastic surgery office. If you are bothered because you have certain areas that won’t slim down, even after dieting and exercising, you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

Other considerations for a tummy tuck are being healthy, yet unhappy with excess fat, loose skin and lax muscles in the abdomen. Sometimes, women undergo tummy tucks after their pregnancies because their abdominal wall and skin have been stretched beyond of the point of being able to “snap” back into place along the natural contours. Poor skin elasticity in people who have lost a lot of weight can leave the skin saggy. This problem can be solved with a tummy tuck to tighten the abdominal area.

Preparing for a Tummy Tuck

Before your tummy tuck procedure with Dr. Emmett, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. Dr. Emmett will speak to you about restrictions on eating, smoking, and drinking. Smokers must quit smoking at least four weeks before a tummy tuck procedure. These requirements will reduce the risk involved in the procedure. You will also be given instructions on which medications you should avoid and which are acceptable.

During your consultation with Dr. Emmett, she will advise you to avoid strict dieting or participate in activities that might make it difficult for your body to heal. You will want to be free of certain illnesses, such as a cold, prior to your tummy tuck procedure. If you are ill on the day of your surgery, Dr. Emmett will reschedule the procedure. You will need to plan for someone to drive you home from your tummy tuck surgery because you will not be able to operate a vehicle.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

A tummy tuck is a simple procedure, but the cost for this surgery does vary from patient to patient, depending on an individual’s goals and body composition. Insurance does not cover tummy tucks, so Dr. Emmett offers financing options via CareCredit®, Key Bank, and Prosper® Healthcare Lending to make the procedure affordable. She also accepts checks, cash, and credit cards for payment for tummy tuck procedures.

Dr. Emmett is happy to consult with you about how a tummy tuck can make you feel better about your body. She helps many men and women in the Denver and Centennial area solve problems such as sagging abdominal skin and excess abdominal fat. Contact Emmett Plastic Surgery’s office today!